In Mormonism, perfection is seen as the ultimate goal in the process of eternal progression. Perfection is not something a person simply is or is not; it is the long-term goal of becoming like God (or a god) through continual growth and improvement by keeping commandments, ordinances, and covenants. LDS scripture teaches that people are commanded to “be perfect” like Heavenly Father (3 Nephi 12:48) and that eternal life is given to those who endure in faithfulness (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7). Perfection will ultimately be reached in eternity as part of exaltation and eternal progression (Gospel Principles, chapter 47).
In biblical Christianity, the goal is not to become like God but to be reconciled to him. Humanity was created perfect and in God’s presence, but sin polluted that perfection. And just as one drop of arsenic ruins a clean glass of water, one sin makes us unworthy to stand before a perfect God. Perfection cannot be earned or grown into; it must be given. Scripture calls this the great exchange, where Christ takes our sin and gives us his perfect righteousness: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through this reconciliation, God now presents believers “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:21–22).
